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Donation boxes stolen from 2 Markham mosques

Ashraf Awad is wanted in connection with thefts at two Markham mosques, July 11, 2017. YORK REGIONAL POLICE/Handout

York regional police are searching for a suspect after donation boxes were stoles from two mosques in Markham.

On Sunday, police were called to the Masjid Darul Iman Mosque, in the Markham Road and Major Mackenzie Drive East area, as well as the Islamic Society of Markham, on Denison Street, for reports of thefts.

Police say that during the night the suspect broke into both mosques by prying open a window and a door. Once inside, the suspect stole donation boxes that contained cash.

The suspect also damaged the administration offices.

Investigators have identified the suspect as Ashraf Awad.

Awad has been described as Middle Eastern, about six-feet-tall and approximately 170 pounds.

He is wanted for break and enter, theft under $5,000 and mischief.

Police are asking anyone who has information on Awad’s whereabouts to contact the #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext.7541.